Mark Waid to Keynote 2010 Harvey Awards!
Tickets Now Available!
Final Ballots Due by Saturday, Aug. 7!

Baltimore, Maryland - August 4, 2010 - The Harvey Awards dinner and presentation ceremony, featuring emcee Scott Kurtz and Keynote speaker Mark Waid, will be held on Saturday, August 28th at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore.

Harvey Awards tickets are on sale now. Tickets to the event, which includes full cocktail hour (cash bar), full service dinner, awards ceremony, and gift bag are now available for $100. Tickets are available by calling Cards, Comics & Collectibles in Reisterstown, Maryland at (410) 526-7410. Major Credit Cards will be accepted for payment. Dinner tickets must be purchased by Wednesday, August 25th and will not be available at the door.

The Harveys, named after the legendary MAD Magazine founding editor and master storyteller Harvey Kurtzman, recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards both nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals.Harvey Award Recipient Logo

Guests for dinner and the awards ceremony will enjoy a full banquet dinner and a lively show hosted once again by Scott Kurtz as our Master of Ceremonies. All 22 Harvey Awards will be announced, as well the Keynote Presentation by Mark Waid.

Over the past 25 years, Mark Waid has been involved in every aspect of comics publishing, from writing to editing to production to retail--everything short of inserting the staples in the actual comic books. He has written some of the best-selling American graphic novels of all time, including KINGDOM COME with artist and co-plotter Alex Ross, and currently serves as the Chief Creative Officer for BOOM! Studios Comics in Los Angeles.

"I'm humbled and intimidated to be asked to give this year's keynote address at the Harveys," said Waid. "I may have been chosen because, given my long history and my current position, I have a unique perspective on the accomplishments this medium has made and the challenges it still faces. Either that, or the organizers have laid bets on whether or not I'm capable of talking about anything but myself for more than two minutes at a stretch. We'll see."

Scott Kurtz, returning Master of Ceremonies, quipped: "Last year, I gambled that the comics industry was willing to laugh at itself and MCed the Harveys like they were a roast. The experience lead to my working with Neal Adams by year's end. My hope this year is that I can angle a Kurtz/Waid/Sale team up. So it's gloves off for sure."

Continuing the guest-pleasing promotion from years past, a gift bag will be available to all dinner guests. The first 250 attendees will receive a gift bag containing a variety of gifts from event sponsors, which will named soon! Without these sponsors, the event would not be possible and the Baltimore Comic-Con Staff expresses their gratitude. Look to our website for details as they become available.

For those who wish to attend the ceremony only, tickets are available for $15, or free for those with a two-day pass to the convention. The hall will be opened for those ticket holders at approximately 9:15pm. Attendees who purchase a ceremony-only ticket are not eligible to receive the gift bag. The two day convention tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster, accessible from http://www.baltimorecomiccon.com/index.php/tickets/. Harvey Ceremony tickets may be purchased via phone at 410-526-7410.

Voting professionals, please remember to submit your ballots by Saturday, August 7, 2010! For ballots and voting instructions, please see our website, http://www.harveyawards.org/.

About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 11th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. With a guest list unequaled in the industry, the Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 28-29, 2010. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.

About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 4 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.

BOOM! STUDIOS & EVIL INK COMICS
BRING YOU
THE AMORY WARS: ULTIMATE EDITION
HARDCOVER
AUGUST 4, 2010

THE ENTIRE SECOND STAGE TURBINE BLADE SAGA
COLLECTED IN ONE ULTIMATE EDITION!


August 4th – Los Angeles, CA - BOOM! Studios & Evil Ink Comics are proud to announce the release of THE AMORY WARS: ULTIMATE EDITION, bringing you the entirety of the epic original saga, THE SECOND STAGE TURBINE BLADE in one stunning hardcover. Written and conceived by accomplished musician and writer, Claudio Sanchez, the series is based on the album of the same name by Sanchez’s hugely successful band Coheed & Cambria. THE AMORY WARS: ULTIMATE EDITION is a must-have for fans and for the first time, a place for the uninitiated to experience the entire story in one book.

Collected in 350 pages of science-fiction, including:

All 10 issues of The Second Stage Turbine Blade,
(originally released through 12 Gauge Comics and Image Comics).
Both original rare-out-of-print “The Bag On Line Adventures” issues.
Bonus story, “33”
All 12 Tony Moore covers.
+ never-before-seen bonus material!

THE SECOND STAGE TURBINE BLADE takes place amidst a star-spanning collection of 78 planets known as Heaven’s Fence, held in place and linked together by the mysterious and seemingly omnipotent blue energy known as The Keywork.

Hard-working Coheed and Cambria Kilgannon live on one of these planets, but their suburban existence is ripped apart when General Mayo Deftinwolf enters their lives and reveals the ultimate truth: Coheed and Cambria were not born, but built as weapons for a privately developed anti-terrorist unit. Even worse, they have been implanted with a virus which has been genetically passed onto their children, mutating into a deadly epidemic aimed to disrupt the bonds between planets and destroy Heaven's Fence. Coheed and Cambria are forced to decide what is more precious, their family or civilization itself.

THE AMORY WARS is the story behind Claudio Sanchez’s lyrics from the album of the same name, which fans have tried to unlock the true course of events encrypted in the lyrics since the band first debuted.

THE AMORY WARS ULTIMATE EDITION hardcover hits shelves today, August 4, 2010 and is collected in a single 350 page hard bound edition with several pages of bonus material printed only in the ULTIMATE EDITION. THE AMORY WARS ULTIMATE EDITION hardcover has a price $29.99 and carries a Diamond code of MAR100784 , and an ISBN13: 9781608860357.

About BOOM! Studios
BOOM! Studios (www.boom-studios.com) 2009 "Best Publisher" of the year, generates a wide-ranging catalog of multiple Eisner and Harvey Award-nominated comic books and graphic novels featuring some of the industry’s top talent, including Philip K. Dick's DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP?, 20th Century Fox's 28 DAYS LATER and DIE HARD, The Henson Company's FARSCAPE, and the original Mark Waid series IRREDEEMABLE. This fall sees BOOM! teaming up with the legendary Stan Lee, creator of Marvel Comics’ characters Spider-Man, The Hulk, and The X-Men for a line of original superhero series, the legend’s first new superhero creations in nearly 20 years. BOOM!'s youth imprint, BOOM Kids!, is an undisputed industry leader publishing Disney/Pixar's THE INCREDIBLES, CARS, and TOY STORY, as well as Disney's THE MUPPETS, DONALD DUCK, UNCLE SCROOGE and WALT DISNEY'S COMICS AND STORIES. This year, BOOM! Studios celebrates its fifth anniversary.

About Evil Ink Comics
Evil Ink Comics is the independent publishing company of Claudio Sanchez, the lead singer of progressive rock band Coheed and Cambria, and also the creator and author of Evil Ink’s current projects, Kill Audio & The Amory Wars.

DARKWING DUCK #1
SELLS OUT!
GOES TO SECOND PRINTING


DUE TO OUTSTANDING FAN RESPONSE
DARKWING DUCK #3 OUTSELLS ISSUE #1


August 3, 2010 - Los Angeles, CA - BOOM Kids! is proud to announce that DARKWING DUCK #1 has sold out, sending everyone's favorite masked mallard into 2nd printing.

BOOM!'s latest smash hit has received tremendous fan support with sales of DARKWING DUCK #3 surpassing the sales of issue #1. DARKWING DUCK #2 is also on the verge of a sell-out and BOOM! is looking into a second printing of issue #2.

Fans should keep in mind, while Diamond Comic Distributors is completely sold out, first printings of DARKWING DUCK #1 may still be found at a direct market retailer near you.

Diamond Comic Distributors is making the second printing of DARKWING DUCK #1 available for retailers to order immediately and the second printing will be featured soon in an upcoming issue of Previews Plus.

The second printing of DARKWING DUCK #1 is also available to order immediately through BOOM!'s relationship with Haven Distributors.

DARKWING DUCK #1 second print features a hilarious variant by James Silvani.

Since its debut critics from all over have given praise to exciting DARKWING DUCK:


"BOOM! Studios delivers the best all ages books on the market, and Darkwing Duck is certainly no exception... impressive"
– IGN

“I give this comic five out of five stars because every time I read it, it puts a smile on my face, it’s visually appealing, very well written, full of nostalgia, and makes me eager to run to the comic shop for the next issue.”
– Major Spoilers

"...DARKWING DUCK is HANDS DOWN the single BEST Disney title BOOM! is putting out! 5/5 Stars”
– Project Fanboy

"This is as fine a return as the Duck Knight could have hoped for. Don’t be surprised to see Darkwing Duck become the hottest book in an already-successful BOOM Kids! line... 5/5 Stars"
– ComiXtreme

"5 Stars... a welcome surprise to see the feel of the show captured so well after all this time. "
– Pop Culture Network

“...marvelous job... the comic was at all times entertaining... 4 out of 5”
– First Comic News


DARKWING DUCK #1 is the first installment of the exciting new ongoing DARKWING DUCK adventure and is written by Ian Brill, with sensational interior art by James Silvani. The first printing shipped with two covers in a 50/50 split and a 1 in 10 incentive cover. The 2nd print carries a Diamond code of: JUN108154.

Recently, BOOM! Studios announced that in addition to Diamond carrying BOOM!'s front list, Haven Distributors will also be carrying all BOOM! titles. Retailers needing more information on how to order from Haven Distributors can call 1-877-HAVEN-50 or sign up on their website here: http://www.havendistro.com/retailers.html

About BOOM! Studios
BOOM! Studios (www.boom-studios.com) 2009 "Best Publisher" of the year, generates a wide-ranging catalog of multiple Eisner and Harvey Award-nominated comic books and graphic novels featuring some of the industry’s top talent, including Philip K. Dick's DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP?, 20th Century Fox's 28 DAYS LATER and DIE HARD, The Henson Company's FARSCAPE, and the original Mark Waid series IRREDEEMABLE. This fall sees BOOM! teaming up with the legendary Stan Lee, creator of Marvel Comics’ characters Spider-Man, The Hulk, and The X-Men for a line of original superhero series, the legend’s first new superhero creations in nearly 20 years. BOOM!'s youth imprint, BOOM Kids!, is an undisputed industry leader publishing Disney/Pixar's THE INCREDIBLES, CARS, and TOY STORY, as well as Disney's THE MUPPETS, DONALD DUCK, UNCLE SCROOGE and WALT DISNEY'S COMICS AND STORIES. This year, BOOM! Studios celebrates its fifth anniversary.

For Immediate Release



From Joss Whedon, the Mastermind Behind the Acclaimed TV Series

Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Award-Winning Artist John Cassaday

Comes the Ultimate Story of Mutant Survival!



MARVEL KNIGHTS ANIMATION:

ASTONISHING X-MEN - GIFTED

HITS THE HOME ENTERTAINMENT SHELVES FOR THE FIRST TIME

OWN IT ON DVD SEPTEMBER 28, 2010

FROM SHOUT! FACTORY



The time has come for Marvel Super Heroes CYCLOPS, EMMA FROST, SHADOWCAT, COLOSSUS, BEAST and WOLVERINE to leap from the comic book pages into every home this Fall. On September 28, 2010, Shout! Factory, in association with Marvel Knights Animation will unleash the highly anticipated DVD of ASTONISHING X-MEN – GIFTED, the first title in the multi-part ASTONISHING X-MEN home entertainment series.



Joss Whedon and John Cassaday’s Eisner award-winning take on Marvel’s mightiest mutants comes to life through the studio of comics legend Neal Adams, in the ASTONISHING X-MEN Marvel Motion Comic, adapting the acclaimed “Gifted” storyline! Remaining true to the heritage of panel-by-panel graphic storytelling, with groundbreaking visuals, sensational soundscapes and, of course, the explosiveness of the Mighty Marvel Universe, the ASTONISHING X-MEN - GIFTED DVD features the first story arc of the ASTONISHING X-MEN 3-part series by Whedon and Cassaday. Boasting an exciting array of bonus features, this DVD invites viewers to delve deep inside the imaginative world of the Marvel Universe. A must have for collectors and loyal fans, this deluxe DVD is featured with a graphic rich cover and a unique replica of comic book-style plastic sleeve packaging that bridges the comic book to DVD concept. It is priced to own at $14.97.



Synopsis:

Professor Charles Xavier’s X-Men — the aggressive Wolverine, conflicted Beast and newly returned Kitty Pryde, led by Cyclops and Emma Frost — find themselves confronted with Dr. Kavita Rao, who has developed a controversial “mutant cure.” Now they’re up against science, prejudice and a mysterious new foe named Ord! Can the X-Men protect the world’s mutants against this powerful new alien menace and the “cure” that threatens to rid them of their unique abilities forever?



Extensive Bonus Features:

* A Conversation with Joe Quesada and Neal Adams
* ASTONISHING X-MEN “Rise Up” music video
* ASTONISHING X-MEN – GIFTED trailer
* Visual history of the characters
* Behind-the-scenes: Marvel Knights Animation
* Marvel Super Heroes™: What The — ?
* Artists gallery – John Cassaday
* Additional trailers

…and More!



Direct from the pages of the critically acclaimed comic books, Marvel Knights Animation remains true to the legendary Marvel experience of sophisticated storytelling and dynamic artwork. Behind every image and every word lies the genius of Marvel’s celebrated creators like Joss Whedon, Brian Michael Bendis, Warren Ellis, Adi Granov, and John Cassaday. Marvel Knights Animation merges iconic Marvel comic book graphics and dynamic animation, utilizing some of the latest technology to provide incredible, cutting-edge, in-your-face storytelling. A wonderful hybrid that incorporates all of Marvel’s greatest talents, viewers can experience their favorite comics, as the spectacular visions of these authors and artists come alive in Marvel Knights Animation.





About Marvel Entertainment, LLC

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 5,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit www.marvel.com.



About Shout! Factory

Shout! Factory is a diversified entertainment company devoted to producing, uncovering and revitalizing the very best of pop culture. Founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos have spent their careers sharing their music, television and film faves with discerning consumers the world over. Shout! Factory’s DVD offerings serve up classic, contemporary and cult TV series, riveting sports programs, live music, animation and documentaries in lavish packages crammed with extras. The company’s audio catalogue boasts GRAMMY®-nominated boxed sets, new releases from storied artists, lovingly assembled album reissues and indispensable “best of” compilations. These riches are the result of a creative acquisitions mandate that has established the company as a hotbed of cultural preservation and commercial reinvention. With its fingers on the pulse of pop culture, Shout! Factory continues to impact the entertainment media landscape through acquisition of top quality programming for home entertainment releases. Shout! Factory is based in Santa Monica, California. For more on Shout! Factory, visit ShoutFactory.com

New Game Theory Video Series, Magazine Give Video Game Industry a Voice



Show and Website Combo Explore Game Industry Reinvention at www.GameTheoryOnline.com



"An intelligent and entertaining look at the games industry through some of the brightest minds in the business."

-Sid Meier, Director of Creative Development, Firaxis Games



SEATTLE, WA (August 3, 2010) - Video production company Game Industry TV™ today announced the debut of new PC and video game show and online magazine, "Game GameTheory Cliff BlezinskiTheory with Scott Steinberg," with new episodes and articles now available at www.gametheoryonline.com. Providing top game designers, executives and journalists with a more enlightened forum to publicly discuss and debate today's top issues, both offer everyday fans deeper, more informed industry analysis in a language that all can understand.



The series' debut season opens with a multi-part, feature-length documentary exploring the reinvention of the entire games business, from social games and motion controls to cloud computing and 3D gaming. Hosted by noted video game expert Scott Steinberg (www.thevideogameexpert.com), the show also features appearances by industry leaders including Will Wright, Sid Meier, Trip Hawkins, Peter Molyneux, Cliff Bleszinski and more.



GameTheory Alex PhamBeyond regular episodes and special features, the series will further be supported by an original online magazine which takes a more analytical and opinionated approach to industry coverage. Featuring a unique blend of commentary, features and trend analysis, editorial voices include hi5 president Alex St. John, futurist Jane McGonigal, ECA president Hal Halpin and others. From plummeting sales to violent video games on trial, both cut through the hype to get at the heart of today's most pressing issues.




Praise for Game Theory with Scott Steinberg™



"The smartest take on the video game industry."

- Trip Hawkins, Founder, Electronic Arts and Digital Chocolate



"An absolute must-see!"

- David Perry, CEO, Gaikai



"Asks all the right questions."

- Todd Howard, Executive Producer, Bethesda Softworks



"Finally, a game industry web show that's well worth my time - features relevant topics, a smart host and all the right voices."

- Randy Pitchford, CEO, Gearbox Software



For more information, please visit http://www.GameTheoryOnline.com





About Game Industry TV



Game Industry TV (www.gameindustrytv.com) is a full-service video production company and online video network featuring the culture, companies and leading personalities behind the $20 billion video games industry. Taking viewers behind the scenes of this dynamic business, it puts a public face on one of the world's most exciting entertainment fields.

Toyota Announces Facebook Contest

to Celebrate 10th Anniversary of Prius


Toyota Facebook Contest Seeks Most Passionate Prius Fan

to Host 10th Anniversary Celebration


(Los Angeles, CA. August 2, 2010) - The Toyota Prius is celebrating its first decade in the U.S. market this year. In a nod to the technological innovation heralded and led by the introduction of the Prius to the automotive market, Toyota is announcing an online contest to find the most passionate Prius fan in the United States* to host the official 10 Years of Toyota Prius Anniversary Celebration.



In 2000, the Prius debuted modestly in the U.S. marketplace. Since that time, the Prius has become the leader of an industry-wide shift towards lower emissions and greater fuel efficiency, the exemplar of environmentally-conscious technological innovation. As a result, this car with the singularly recognizable silhouette has attracted a uniquely loyal customer base, a true community of shared pride and purpose. To celebrate everything that the Prius has become, Toyota will honor this community of like-minded buyers by holding an online contest to find the most passionate Prius fan.



Are you a fuel-efficient hyper-miler, an eco-warrior or tech-savvy gadget guru? Do you volunteer in your community? Toyota wants to hear from you! Submit a video or several photos demonstrating your Prius passion for a chance to host the official 10 Years of Toyota Prius Anniversary Celebration in your hometown. Toyota will select the Top 10 finalists and leave it to the Prius community to decide who should be crowned the most passionate Prius fan.



How do you enter and sign up for more information? Visit Toyota Prius on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/prius). 'Like' the page and we'll keep you posted on when and how you can enter.



· Submission period will run from 07.28.10 - 08.13.10

· Users will vote from among the Top 10 finalists 08.18.10 - 08.27.10

· The winner will be announced on 08.31.10

· The winner will host the 10 Years of Toyota Prius Anniversary

Celebration in HIS/HER HOMETOWN on 10.10.10!



About Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion. Established in 1957, TMS markets products and services through a network of more than 1,400 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers. Toyota directly employs more than 34,000 people in the U.S. and sold more than 1.77 million vehicles in 2009.



For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyota.com, www.lexus.com, www.scion.com or www.toyotanewsroom.com.

STAY OUT OF THE WOODS... AND THE WATER
Image Comics gets mixed up again with the second printing of SEA BEAR & GRIZZLY SHARK

Berkeley, CA - 3 August 2010 - Just when you thought it was safe to wander through the woods and go skinny dipping at the beach, Jason Howard (THE ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN) and Ryan Ottley (INVINCIBLE) showed you otherwise with the sold out SEA BEAR & GRIZZLY SHARK.

To reinforce the fear of mixed up and violent wildlife, Image Comics is reprinting SEA BEAR & GRIZZLY SHARK! This 48-page black and white comic book will be available August 4.

Do not go out at night: GRIZZLY SHARK lurks in these woods. There are many dangers of the deep, but none so deadly as SEA BEAR! Thrill to the adventures of these two exciting new characters, told in two full-length stories and featuring a special prose origin story written by ROBERT KIRKMAN!

The second printing of SEA BEAR & GRIZZLY SHARK, a book that Ain't It Cool News describes as having "...exceptional art and a wildly unique story you simply won't find anywhere else," will be available August 4, 2010.

Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, Skybound and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

LEGENDARY MARVEL CREATOR ADDS HIS SUPPORT TO EAGLE INITIATIVE

BARRY Renshaw and Cassandra Conroy are delighted to announce that Stan Lee – the celebrated co-creator of such enduring Marvel characters as Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, the Hulk and the X-Men – has agreed to become patron of the Eagle Initiative.



Agreeing to give his backing to the innovative worldwide talent search, Lee said, 'Way back in 1976 mine was the first name enrolled on the Eagle Awards Roll of Honour and I’m thrilled, lo these many years later, to be invited to be a patron of this pioneering initiative which stems from such prestigious and long-running prizes.



“Breaking into comic books has never been easy and I think it's great that Barry and Cassandra are devoting their energies to helping newcomers from around the world get their foot on – and up – the ladder,” added the venerated writer. “I’m delighted to add my name to the Eagle Initiative and wish every contestant all the best, both with their entries and their subsequent careers. Who knows, this ambitious project might lead to the discovery of a 21st century Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko... or Stan Lee!”



Responding to the celebrated Marvel creator’s comments, Renshaw – who is spearheading the project – said, “Having an industry legend like Stan Lee not only support the Initiative but agree to be its patron is both incredibly exciting and humbling at the same time. I certainly never expected to receive the amount of interest and support from industry professionals that we have done over just a few short months, and everyone behind the scenes at the Initiative is absolutely dedicated to making sure we live up to their faith in the endeavour."



Now heading up the Eagle Awards, Cassandra Conroy added, “The Marvel Universe had just had its 30th birthday when I came into this world but my dad familarised me with those classic early stories throughout my formative years. It is, therefore, a great honour to have Stan Lee not only support us on the Initiative but also be so enthusiastic about what Barry is doing. I’m sure his involvement will catapult the Initiative and the Eagle Awards themselves into the wider public spotlight.”



Eagle Awards founder Mike Conroy is serving as a consultant and publicist to the Initiative. He commented, “Things just keep getting better for Barry and Cassandra. The industry has been behind them from the start but to get backing from the living legend that is Stan Lee just turns things up to 11!”



For further details on the Initiative, a full list of judges and complete submission guidelines, go to http://www.eaglesinitiative.com/. For press enquiries, contact Mike Conroy: eagleawards@btconnect.com. For further details on the Eagle Awards, contact Cassandra Conroy: eagleawards@gmail.com.



ABOUT THE EAGLES INITIATIVE:
Launched in May 2010, the Eagles Initiative provides a unique platform from which the next generation of writers and artists can promote their storytelling ability in an increasingly competitive market. The brainchild of Barry Renshaw, the Initiative is an unprecedented global talent search, entrants will be asked to submit an original self-contained illustrated story. The winner will be awarded a £1,000 cash prize; the runner up will win £500 with the third place submission being given £250. All three stories are to be included in the Initiative Anthology, which will be released as a print publication and in multiple languages across the digital media.

ABOUT THE EAGLE AWARDS:
Introduced in 1976, the Eagles are the comics industry's longest established awards. Unique in that they reflect the people's choice, they are awarded by fans who vote for their favourite in each category of the awards. They are named after the fondly remembered 1950's British comic anthology Eagle, and were originated by two British fans, Mike Conroy and Richard Burton. The awards proved to be successful, with American publishers announcing their victories with pride. They have relaunched in 2010 with a new look, a new mandate and a new vision for the future.



ABOUT STAN LEE:

Stan Lee is the man whose co-created superheroes such as Spider-Man, the X-Men, Iron Man and many others have been monster movie hits and helped make Marvel Comics the dominant force in the comicbook industry.

Without question, Stan 'the Man' Lee has exerted more influence over comicbooks than anyone in history. The numbers are staggering – more than 2 billion Marvel Comics have been published in 75 countries and in 25 languages. In Europe alone, Stan Lee's name appears on over 35 million comics annually.

He supervised such diverse animated series as X-Men, Spider-Man and The Hulk. To date, Stan's characters have populated over 24 separate television series, all of which continue in syndication around the world.

Additionally, many of Stan’s other creations, such as the Hulk, the Fantastic Four and Daredevil have been major motion pictures with no end in sight for the sequels, while Doct or Strange, the Mighty Thor, Avengers and Silver Surfer, plus many others, are in development for motion pictures even as you read these words.

Stan Lee's admirers are not limited to the younger generation – his avowed fans include Presidents (Ronald Reagan once said he started every day reading Spider-Man comics and George Bush, in presenting Stan a Medal of the Arts, praised him for encouraging and assisting "millions of young people to broaden their own imaginations") and even his competitors ("Most of my generation of writers learned our craft from or through Stan Lee. He's an incredible part of the business," said Paul Levitz of DC Comics).

Now, as he enters the 21st Century, Stan Lee is broadening his horizons. Stan is currently developing entirely new franchise for film and television with his own company POW! Entertainment while still proudly cherishing the title of Chairman Emeritus of Marvel.

ABOUT BARRY RENSHAW:
Barry Renshaw has been an active creator in the UK independent comics industry for over a decade, as publisher of his own Engine Comics imprint, the award winning Redeye Magazine, and the popular How to Self Publish - A Rough Guide, as well as running or appearing at various workshops, seminars and panels over the years. He was asked to join the Eagle Awards committee in 2009 to help reinvent the brand, and saw an opportunity for the Awards to play a more progressive and proactive role in the comics industry. The Initiative is the first part of that expanded role.



ABOUT CASSANDRA CONROY:

Cassandra Conroy has been a regular presence on the UK convention scene for several years. In 2008 her father Mike Conroy handed over the running of the Eagle Awards to Cassandra, who was then just 16-years old. She has worked on Eaglemoss’s Classic Marvel Figurine Collection and DC Comics Super Hero Collection.



ABOUT MIKE CONROY:

Formerly editor of Comics International, Europe's trade paper, veteran comics journalist and historian Mike Conroy is the founder of the Eagle Awards. Established in 1976, they are one of the comics industry’s earliest established and most coveted international prizes. Sought after to talk about comics and movies on TV and radio, Mike has written extensively on those subjects for various publishers and magazines. He is the author of 500 Great Comic Book Action Heroes its sequel 500 Comic Book Villains and War Stories: A Graphic History as well as a major contributor to Comix: The Underground Revolution. His former position on CI followed his 10-year reign as the magazine's news editor. For over 12 years, his monthly Frame to Frame – the comics industry’s longest-running column discussing the interaction between movies and comics – had been a feature in CI, which he had been associated with since the magazine's very beginnings in 1991. Contact him at: demigod@btconnect.com.